Cheapo Weekend for Nov 19-20: Bright Lights and Loud Music

Autumn Evening Illuminations at Rikugien Garden (Nov 19-Dec 7): The famously beautiful Edo-period gardens of Rikugien will be illuminated until the 7th of December, staying open until 9pm. The gardens are known as one of the best spots for Autumn foliage viewing, so it’s a perfect for an evening stroll.

Live from the Kitchen Disco – Vol 30 (Nov 20): There’s another killer line-up for this month’s free showcase of all the best talent in Tokyo. Featuring a combination of Japanese and International bands including The Applepie, Black Sea, Curry Ramen, Instant Karma and Takashi Umemiya & the Comrades, you can be sure of a great night of music. There’s also a great menu with Indian food, beers and more beers… what more could you want?

Oedo Antique Market (Nov 20): If you’re craving a bargain or looking for that perfect piece to complete your collection, head to the largest outdoor antique market in Japan. A regular event held on the first and third Sunday of the month, it’s a great place to potter around on a morning, but may be cancelled if it rains.

Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Chrysanthemum Exhibition (until Nov 23): Held annually since 1914, this is Japan’s foremost Chrysanthemum exhibition for both quality and quantity of flowers. With over 2000 displays to be seen, visitors can also buy seedlings and attend seminars discussing cultivation techniques and other interesting elements of chrysanthemum growing.

Christmas Illuminations: Christmas in Japan is bright, so bright in fact it hurts if you look for too long, but the illuminations also make the perfect setting for a romantic stroll. There are plenty to choose from, with some running until February 2017, and some finishing on Christmas day – so be sure to look up the final days. With new themes, music accompaniments and increasingly impressive displays every year, you’re sure to enjoy what the bright city street have to offer.

Hachioji Gingko Festival (Nov 19-20): Celebrating the Showa period, this festival takes its main focus from the Ginkgo trees of Hachioji and features a tour of checking stations  complete with vintage pass permits. There is also a vintage car parade with classic cars from the Showa period.

94th Gaigosai Festival (Nov 19-23): If you wanted to do some travelling this weekend, look no further. This University-run festival even offers you a passport to enjoy the stalls and foreign language plays and performances by students.